Butler Fork loop. When I got to the trailhead it was raining. It was looking like I was in for a long day! Eventually though, the rain dissipated and it was quite nice out.
The rain made for an interesting morning. The weight from the rainwater caused the plants to droop over onto the trail. This means I stayed soaked from the waist down the entire run. It also means that I got into LOTS of stinging nettle. Lots of wildlife sightings too! Saw at least 10 hummingbirds, which I almost never see on this trail. Kicked up 30 or so pine hens, which is always a treat because your heart skips a beat when they fly up after almost stepping on them. Also ran into 2 bull moose which is always cool.
Then I get to the end of the trail and I spotted my dad standing there. I guess he went up into Mill A and figured that I had gone out for the loop so he waited for me. I don't think he was waiting more than 5 minutes because he was still steaming from his run. We seem to randomly run into each other on this trail at least twice a year.
I probably won't run again until Speedgoat, unless I get really bored or something. Looking forward to running a race again after 10 months. Sheesh! | 